The efforts of both teachers and students are essential factors impacting upon the quality of teaching.
This was the view of Professor Nigel Reeves, of Aston University in England, which he shared at a Lingnan College seminar entitled Assessing Quality of Teaching in Higher Education: Issues and Challenges.
Professor Reeves said the management of tertiary institutions had changed subtly as we approach the 21st century, with many methods borrowed from business. Total Quality Management products were designed to satisfy the needs and requirements of customers. To transform this concept into higher education, various educational institutions provided tailor-made courses for different students, Professor Reeves said.
Such changes should be addressed as 'most people had to work for about 40 to 50 years if they graduated when they were 22'. 'We need to design one curriculum which fits the needs of society,' he said. 'The job of teachers is to guide and supervise students, but not tell them what they should or should not do. On the other hand, students should ideally give feedback and have interaction with teachers.' According to Professor Reeve, methods such as seminars, presentations, team projects and discussions could increase students' involvement. Panels could also monitor curriculum design, he said.